Project Overview

Welcome to this exquisite 3,000-square-foot, 4-bedroom apartment nestled within the prestigious Estoril Court in Hong Kong's Mid-Levels. Meticulously tailored to accommodate the owners' lifestyle, every aspect of the apartment considers their daily needs and love for entertaining. Setting the tone for the residence, we embraced a Nordic minimalist style that combines practicality with refined aesthetics. Exquisite details, such as captivating wood and stone patterns, have been seamlessly incorporated to create an atmosphere that exudes elegance. The furniture, though designed for everyday functionality, is crafted from high-quality materials and adorned with delicate details, showcasing the essence of understated luxury.

Project Commissioner

Nil

Project Creator

Clifton Leung Design Workshop

Project Brief

The entrance area, doubled up by a mirrored wall with two “bamboo-themed” paintings, features sleek bench seating and cabinet, creating an inviting entrance. Throughout the apartment, soothing wood and a neutral color palette establish a serene atmosphere that exudes elegance.
In the living room, different styles of sofas are surrounded by traditional Chinese paintings on the walls, giving the feeling of being in an art gallery with an immersive artistic atmosphere. The biggest highlight is the use of floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that connect to the view of Victoria Harbour on the terrace, allowing for natural light and excellent scenery.
The master bedroom was transformed from two rooms, including a shared bathroom. Feature wall panels were used to divide the space into distinct areas, creating a walk-in closet that feels like a private "room within a room”. At the heart of the master bedroom, a king-size bed takes center stage, surrounded by thoughtful elements that enhance comfort and ambiance. A wall-mounted TV allows for relaxation and entertainment, while a small sofa adds an inviting and romantic touch, creating an intimate space for relaxation and unwinding.
Each room in the spacious residence has its own distinct characteristics. The second ensuite offers a cool and refreshing ambiance, even providing a designated area for beloved pets within the closet. The guest ensuite serves as an inviting guest room with entertainment amenities and a UV sanitizing machine.

Project Innovation/Need

We departed from the prevailing trend of spotlights and track lights in contemporary interior design, choosing instead to embrace the power of natural lighting as the guiding principle for this project. Trough lighting was predominantly used, creating a soft and ambient glow that elevates the overall atmosphere. However, intentional exceptions were made to add distinctive characters in select areas. A modern pendant light was installed in the play area, infusing the space with playfulness and whimsy. Similarly, a captivating chandelier takes center stage in the dining room, exuding sophistication and creating a memorable ambiance for dining experiences.
The use of precious Japanese Hokkaido "wood slab” for the countertops throughout the residence stands out as a remarkable feature of this project. The choice of this refined material exemplifies the homeowners' commitment to a life of exceptional quality and refined taste. "Wood slab" represents an unaltered, natural wood material primarily used for tabletops, distinguished by its weight and distinctive aesthetics, offering an authentic essence of "wood" unparalleled by assembled materials. Edges of “wood slab” maintain their pristine, untouched appearance, nearly devoid of human influence. When exposed to sunlight, the tabletop develops distinctive three-dimensional waves, creating a truly unique and one-of-a-kind visual allure. This individuality epitomizes the enduring "life" of a wood slab.
The master bathroom draws inspiration from Japanese hot spring baths, ensuring functionality and comfort. Terrazzo flooring conceals a radiant heating system, providing warmth even in winter. The shower area features waterproof wooden flooring from Japan, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.

Design Challenge

The original kitchen layout which separated from the dining room by a powder room, while functional, did not fully meet the hospitable owners' expectations for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Our goal was to create a larger and more conveniently located kitchen while incorporating two distinct kitchen spaces: a primary professional kitchen for chef-grade cooking and a secondary breakfast kitchen for lighter cooking. Fortunately, we identified an unused non-structural wall behind the dining area, providing an opportunity for expansion.
As part of this expansion, we introduced a new bar counter that seamlessly connects the dining and cooking areas. This bar counter serves as the perfect hub for interaction with guests, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere during meal preparation and entertainment.
Additionally, we utilized the utility area to extend the professional kitchen, resulting in a more spacious cooking area. This expansion also allowed us to incorporate a dedicated storage room and a maid's quarter, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the kitchen and utility space.
By strategically reconfiguring the layout and making the most of available space, we successfully overcame the challenge of kitchen placement. The result is a beautifully enhanced kitchen area that seamlessly integrates with the dining space, catering to different culinary needs and facilitating guest entertainment.

Sustainability

Sustainable design principles were at the forefront of this project, guiding our choices to utilize environmentally friendly materials and practices. Throughout the space, wood plays a prominent role, from the European wooden flooring to the Hokkaido "wood-slab" countertops. These materials are carefully manufactured from natural wood, ensuring they meet strict requirements for ecological safety. Regular testing is conducted to monitor formaldehyde content, ensuring a healthy indoor environment. All timber used for flooring production is harvested using clean felling procedures and environmentally responsible practices that do not lead to a reduction in oak and ash forests.
To further promote a healthier indoor environment, we opted for kid-friendly paint with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This conscious choice reduces the release of harmful chemicals, contributing to improved air quality.
The layout of the space was thoughtfully designed to optimize the abundant natural daylight available, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. By harnessing the power of natural light, we aimed to illuminate the spaces and create a bright and inviting atmosphere that not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances the overall well-being of the occupants.